Neonatal respiratory support related to lung function abnormalities in school-age children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

ObjectiveTo elucidate the relationship between abnormal lung function (LF) at school age and neonatal respiratory support in very low birth weight children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Study designWe retrospectively examined 78 BPD children whose LF was evaluated at 8-9 years. LF abnormalities were defined by reduced values of spirometric parameters. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for abnormal LF by the type and postmenstrual age (PMA) of respiratory support were calculated using logistic regression analysis after controlling perinatal factors.ResultsOverall, 24 (31%) patients had LF abnormalities. Antenatal steroid use was associated with a decreased risk of abnormal LF [aOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.09-0.92]. Requiring positive-pressure support at 37 weeks' PMA correlated with abnormal LF [aOR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.15-21.90]; whereas only low-flow oxygen at any PMA did not.ConclusionRequiring positive-pressure support at 37 weeks' PMA could be an indicator of abnormal LF at school age.